OPENING DAY 1ST AUGUST 2024: 2024-2025 SPINY LOBSTER SEASON

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 1^st August 2024 – The much-anticipated 2024-2025 Spiny Lobster Season officially began on August 1st, 2024. This season a total of 206 commercial fishermen, 129 commercial vessels, and 65 foreign fishing assistants obtained licenses.

Well before sunrise, departing at 5 am, the fishermen were ready to face the day’s challenges. Despite the forecast concerns, they were eager not to miss any opportunities.

The day’s catch varied significantly, with weights ranging from 31 to 1,496 pounds. “Weather or not,” the fishermen arose triumphant. The first day of the season yielded impressive results:

A small percentage (0.8%) of the catch was undersized and subsequently seized, with fishermen receiving a verbal warning.

Compared to previous years, the first day’s catch weight was lower than last year, with weather conditions being a significant contributing factor. Some fishermen indicated that their catch came from pre-deployed lobster casitas, but the weather hindered their ability to collect from all casitas, resulting in mid-range weight catches.

Historical data shows varied overall catches from 2019 through 2023, with a low of 276,975 pounds in 2021 (during the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic) and a high of 530,727 pounds in 2022.

Earlier this year, the Ministry took a significant step towards enhancing our fisheries sector by building and deploying over 800 lobster casitas. These artificial habitats are designed to provide a safe and productive environment for lobsters to thrive, which we hope will lead to better catches in the months and years to come. We are confident that these efforts will pay off, leading to more prosperous seasons in the future. As we continue to invest in sustainable practices and support our fishermen, we remain committed to the long-term health of our fisheries and the well-being of those who rely on them.

Reflecting on the first day of the 2024-2025 Spiny Lobster Season, Hon. Minister stated, “I commend our fishermen for their remarkable resilience and unwavering dedication despite challenging weather conditions. Their efforts are crucial to the sustainability and prosperity of our fisheries sector. I am optimistic that the positive start to this season will continue, and I have high hopes for a successful and bountiful season ahead. Let us work together to ensure that this promising trend sustains, benefiting not only our fisheries but also our community as a whole.”

The inaugural day of the 2024-2025 Spiny Lobster Season has proven to be successful, showcasing the resilience and determination of our fishing community against the weathered odds.

Photo caption:

Insert: Fishermen bringing in their catch of spiny lobsters